About Goodwill

The first Goodwill in the New York Metropolitan area originated in Brooklyn in 1915. We were started by two clergymen, one from the Brooklyn City Mission and Tract Society and the other from Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, who were inspired by the work in Boston of national Goodwill founder the Rev. Dr. Edgar J. Helms. Goodwill Industries of Brooklyn became independent quickly; it incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1920 to buy the building that contained its store and workrooms.

In 1922, a Manhattan Goodwill was started through the New York Protestant Missionary Society. The Brooklyn and Manhattan Goodwills merged in 1962 to form Goodwill Industries of Greater New York. The move to our current Astoria headquarters took place in 1970.

Goodwill Industries of New Jersey was founded in Jersey City in 1919 by St. Paul's Community House. New Jersey Goodwill later moved its program center to its current Harrison location. The Greater New York and Northern New Jersey Goodwills merged in 1999.

Over 100 years later, we’re helping more than 45,000 people a year — through our 40 stores and 57 programs - to more fully and independently participate in society.